THE public consultation into plans to boost leisure facilities in Stretford – including Gary Neville’s controversial proposals to turn green belt land into training pitches — has been slammed as a “dog’s dinner” by a prominent councillor.
The former United star wants to turn flooded land at Turn Moss, in Stretford, into three new training pitches to be used by Salford City FC and the proposed University Academy (UA) 92.
Blueprints for the new campus also includes a new cafe, a playground, changing rooms, an exercise trail and a 4G pitch.
The plans have sparked fierce debate, with scores of residents objecting.
Neville was heckled over the proposals at a heated public meeting at Old Trafford football ground last month.
Protesters there will be little benefit for residents, destroy green belt land and disturb wildlife.
They also suggested that Salford City players should use facilities in their own city, which Neville said was “ridiculous”.
The town hall has been consulting on plans to boost leisure facilities across Trafford, including in Stretford.
A new centre is set to be built, but council bosses are still considering possible sites.
The huge project, including the Turn Moss plans, was discussed at a Trafford council scrutiny committee.
Labour councillor Mike Cordingley, vice chairman of the committee, said the consultation had been a “dog’s dinner”.
“Next year, we need to look at how consultations are processed because this was done badly,” he added.
“It can’t be denied the consultation has been a dog’s dinner that has upset a lot of people, who now distrust the council.”
Trafford council chief executive dubbed UA92 a ‘catalyst for regeneration’ at MIPIM last week.
The university is the brainchild of legendary Manchester United players Gary and Phil Neville, Ryan Giggs, Paul Scholes and Nicky Butt, known as the Class of ’92.
UA92 will be based at a new campus in Old Trafford, with campus facilities in Stretford.
Cllr Laura Evans, executive member for communities and partnerships, defended the consultation.
She said: “I disagree the public consultation wasn’t done correctly – I attended public meetings and they were very informative.
“We also have ongoing discussions in various areas with individuals. The consultation has been robust and fair.”
Trafford Council leader Cllr Sean Anstee, said: “Turn Moss forms a key part of the Refreshed Stretford Masterplan, a once-in-a-generation opportunity to secure the revitalisation of both Stretford and Old Trafford.
“It’s already been through a 10-week consultation, has been debated twice by council and was adopted in January, so the principle of what is proposed is not up for further debate. It’s precisely because we’re so ambitious for Stretford and Old Trafford that we’re getting on with implementing the masterplan.
“The planning application for Turn Moss requires a statutory a consultation process to be followed which covers all the appropriate surveys.
“We are satisfied that the consultation process being followed is sound, and we will continue to work with local groups, as we have been with existing local football teams and the Friends of Turn Moss.”
Article originally appeared on Messenger
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